UPDATED: Man sought by FBI for involuntary manslaughter in southeastern Utah in custody

After asking for the public's help, the FBI has announced that Phillip Rentz, wanted for involuntary manslaughter in 2017, is in custody | Photo courtesy of the FBI, St. George News

SALT LAKE CITY — The FBI is asking for the public’s assistance locating Phillip Rentz, wanted for his alleged involvement in the death of a man near Aneth in 2017.

Update March 8, 12:42 p.m. – The FBI announced that Rentz has turned himself in.

According to an advisory sent Thursday from the FBI, on July 5, 2017, a vehicle allegedly driven by Rentz, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, went off the road near Aneth, Utah, while within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation reservation.

One of the two passengers in the vehicle, also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was pronounced dead at the scene. Subsequent testing indicated that Rentz had a blood alcohol content of .217.

On March 7, 2018, a federal arrest warrant was issued in the United States District Court, District of Utah, Central Division, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Rentz was charged with involuntary manslaughter while within Indian Country.

Sandra Yi Barker, public affairs specialist for the FBI Salt Lake City Division, told St. George News that they have been working this case since it happened, but since Rentz hasn’t been taken into custody yet, they have reached out for public assistance.

“A lot of times, they (agents) will use this as another method to bring up any leads,” she said.

While Rentz may be seeking employment in the area, Barker said they don’t believe he has specific ties, such as friends or family, in Washington County.

According to the advisory, Rentz was born Nov. 18, 1983, in Colorado. He is described as being 5 foot 9 inches, weighing 145-155 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his chest and both arms and may be attempting to find work as a horse trainer or laborer.